Introduction
Starfield, the highly anticipated new game, is set to make its debut this year as one of the most significant releases of 2023. Initially planned for release in the first half of the year, Bethesda has now confirmed that the space-faring RPG will be available for gamers to experience in September. Furthermore, the studio has announced that a Starfield Direct will take place on June 11th (which is on the same day as the E3 Digital Showcase, but before E3’s in-person event).
The Starfield Direct showcase, dedicated to the new adventure, promises to give us a deeper insight into Starfield. Todd Howard, the game’s director, has hinted that the studio still has “so much” to reveal, making it an exciting time for all fans of the franchise.
A New Frontier for Bethesda
As one of the most highly anticipated Xbox Series X games on the horizon, it is also expected to be available on Xbox Game Pass. Starfield is the first new IP from Bethesda Game Studios in 25 years, making it a notable release. With a proven track record of delivering some of the best RPGs, such as The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim and Fallout 4, the prospect of diving into a fresh RPG set in a new universe has already generated a lot of buzz.
Starfield also finally has an official release date of September 6, 2023. Initially planned for a November 11, 2022 release, the game was then pushed back to the first half of 2023 before ultimately being delayed further into the September window, as confirmed by Bethesda.
Starfield is all set to be launched as an exclusive title for the Xbox Series X console, while also being available on PC. This is due to Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Game Studios, the creator of Starfield and Elder Scrolls 6, in a deal worth $7.5 billion.
It’s important to note that Starfield will not be available on PS4 or PS5. Even though the game was announced before the acquisition, it will still be exclusive to Xbox platforms. Todd Howard, the creative director at Bethesda, believes that focusing on a smaller number of platforms will result in a better product. While this may be good news for Xbox owners, it means that PlayStation owners will miss out on the chance to play Starfield.
After being teased at Bethesda’s E3 2018 press conference, we had to wait until the Microsoft and Bethesda Games Showcase 2021 for the Starfield reveal trailer. The two-minute teaser provided us with initial details on the game’s story, world, and gave us a glimpse of the capabilities of the new Creation Engine 2.
Starfield Core Mechanics
In a grand unveiling at the Microsoft and Bethesda Games Showcase 2022, fans were treated to the first-ever Starfield gameplay trailer, giving them a glimpse into the expansive universe that Bethesda is creating. In a 15-minute showcase, Todd Howard, the creative director at Bethesda, took viewers on a tour of the game’s key features, including combat, exploration, character customization, and more. The gameplay trailer was a fantastic introduction to the vast world of Starfield.
Narrative & Setting
Set across the cosmos itself, the Starfield setting is one of Bethesda’s most ambitious projects to date. Known as ‘The Settled Systems’ in-game, the universe extends beyond our Solar System by roughly 50 light-years. Bethesda has revealed that the game will have over 100 systems and 1,000 planets for players to explore, making it an expansive and immersive experience.
While the core story of Starfield remains shrouded in mystery, Bethesda has provided fans with a few details. The game is set in 2330, two decades after the bloody Colony War between two of the largest factions in The Settled Systems – the United Colonies and Freestar Collective. Players will take on the role of a member of Constellation, a group of space explorers navigating the aftermath of the conflict. Where players go and who they choose to ally with is entirely up to them, providing a unique and immersive experience that allows players to forge their path in the game. Additionally, the Starfield main quest is confirmed to be 20% larger than those in Skyrim and Fallout 4, making it one of Bethesda’s most ambitious projects yet.
Combat & Travel
Starfield’s gameplay draws heavily from popular science-fiction games like Elite Dangerous and No Man’s Sky, but at its core, it remains a Bethesda RPG. The game features open spaces and settlements to explore, progression systems that reward players for investing time in the game’s various elements, and a structure that leverages choice and consequence. New gameplay features, such as flying ships in outer space, resource management, crafting and base building, and real-time combat with firearms, add a fresh perspective to the Bethesda experience. Players can switch between a first- and third-person perspective seamlessly, offering a dynamic gameplay experience.
One of the most exciting new features in Starfield is the ability to pilot a spaceship and explore outer space freely. Players can engage in ship-to-ship combat and customize their vessels to their liking. Ships are modular, allowing players to modify every aspect of their design, from the placement of engines and cockpit to power allocation between weapons, shields, and travel capabilities.
Creation Engine 2 – Bethesda’s turning point?
Starfield’s gameplay draws heavily from popular science-fiction games like Elite Dangerous and No Man’s Sky, but at its core, it remains a Bethesda RPG. The game features open spaces and settlements to explore, progression systems that reward players for investing time in the game’s various elements, and a structure that leverages choice and consequence. New gameplay features, such as flying ships in outer space, resource management, crafting and base building, and real-time combat with firearms, add a fresh perspective to the Bethesda experience. Players can switch between a first- and third-person perspective seamlessly, offering a dynamic gameplay experience.
One of the most exciting new features in Starfield is the ability to pilot a spaceship and explore outer space freely. Players can engage in ship-to-ship combat and customize their vessels to their liking. Ships are modular, allowing players to modify every aspect of their design, from the placement of engines and cockpit to power allocation between weapons, shields, and travel capabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Starfield is shaping up to be one of Bethesda’s most ambitious and exciting projects to date. From its sprawling universe and expansive gameplay mechanics to its new Creation Engine 2, Starfield promises to deliver a unique and immersive experience for fans of the RPG genre. As we eagerly anticipate the game’s release on September 6, 2023, we can’t help but wonder what adventures and stories await us in The Settled Systems. One thing is for sure – Starfield is not a game to be missed.
